Payroll Specialist

Manhattan, NY
Full Time
Finance
Mid Level

THE ORGANIZATION 

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies: 

  1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges; 
  2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and 
  3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond. 

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide. 
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org. 


THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Center is looking for a Payroll Specialist to support the operations, communication, implementation, and administrative functions of all payroll processes. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist will be responsible for execution of payroll for all Center staff. This position works closely with HR, Fiscal, and department leadership to ensure accurate, compliant, and strategic payroll administration. We are looking for a dynamic, self-starter, who enjoys working both independently and within a team. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Assist with processing bi-weekly payroll for 900+ salaried & hourly employees, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; 

  • Review and analyze staff timecards each period, proactively identifying discrepancies and collaborating with managers to implement necessary adjustments;

  • Verify and manage direct deposit and payroll setup for new hires, ensuring seamless onboarding and compliance with regulatory requirements;

  • Manage employee changes in Paycom, including garnishments, child support orders, and tax setup, exercising independent judgment to resolve complex scenarios; 

  • Investigate and resolve employee pay issues with discretion, professionalism, and a focus on maintaining organizational integrity and staff satisfaction;

  • Prepare, analyze, and distribute bi-weekly payroll reports for HR and Fiscal teams, audits, and year-end processes, providing actionable insights for leadership;

  • Support department with annual W-2 process; 

  • Calculate partial payments for new hires and terminated employees, maintaining accurate records and providing strategic reporting to management;

  • Collaborate cross-functionally to address and resolve payroll discrepancies, ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures;

  • Manage payroll correspondence and department documentation, implementing organizational best practices for filing, archiving, and record-keeping;

  • Deliver payroll presentations during New Hire Orientation, providing guidance on policies, processes, and compliance;

  • Lead special projects assigned by the Payroll Manager, including process improvements, system enhancements, and cross-departmental initiatives;

  • Assist the Payroll department with day-to-day office needs; 

  • Prepare and review payroll-related invoices, working closely with HR and Fiscal teams to resolve complex payment or reporting questions; and 

  • Perform additional strategic and operational payroll tasks as needed.

Qualifications: The selected candidate will have an Associate's degree in relevant field with at least 1-2 years of experience working in an office environment (HR, payroll, etc.) required. Non-profit experience a plus. Experience working with Paycom software preferred. Proficiency with MS Office programs and intermediate skill required in Excel. Candidate must be detail oriented and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.  The candidate will be professional and personable yet have the ability to exercise sound judgment when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.  

Position Type:  Full-time, Hybrid 

Position Location:  Midtown Manhattan 

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $68,400 - $80,000 and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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